Jenkyn Place Vineyard

Simon Bladon
Jenkyn Place Vineyard
Bentley
ALTON
Hants GU10 5LU

Vines

Pinor Noir
Pinot Meunier
Chardonnay
Wine Maker: Mike Roberts at Ridgeview

Jenkyn Place is a new vineyard planted in 2004-5 near to the 'Watercress Line. In days gone by, this railway would carry the boxes of fresh watercress daily to London. Today, the area is gaining a reputation as a potential source of fine wines. French Champagne producers are developing vineyards in the Meon Valley to the south, where land is considerably cheaper than in France.
All the vines planted here are the classical varieties used in making Champagne, though the UK product cannot be so classified as the term has protected status. Mike Roberts, who is making the first vintage, uses the term 'Merret Method' after the man whose work preceded that of the French producers.
The vineyard has 1.5 hectares of vines planted on Upper Greensand, with a gentle south-facing slope. It lies next to Jenkyn Place Garden, just to the north of Bentley.

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